what year model?

Chapor · 08-01-2009, 01:29 PM

I am currently looking to buy a Mk3 Supra 2,0 GT twin turbo electronics spec wide body. The frame number is E-GA70H-BLMVZ. and the engine is a 1G-GTEU. I know that they were build from August 1989 onwards... But how can I determine the year model this specific one was build? The current sellers say it is a 1993-94 and I have trouble believing that.
Also I read on this forum, as far as I was able to read through it by now, that blown head gaskets feature quite a bit.. Is that a real common problem with these engines? It also has a electronic adaptable suspension, how prone to problems are they? Any help would be more than greatly appreciated. :-)

mirage83 · 08-01-2009, 06:49 PM

I can't help you with the 1G year question, but it's the 7M series which is (fairly or unfairly depending on your perspective) known for blown head gaskets. I've never heard of the 1G having that tendency.

TEMS (the electronically controlled suspension system) is pretty reliable, few problems with the system itself though to the best of my knowledge there's only 1 kind of shock which works with it, the Illumina II. You can use a number of other brands and types in place of the Illumina, but they won't work with TEMS and allow you to adjust them on the fly.

Chapor · 08-02-2009, 07:49 AM

Thank you, that already helps.

Now I have another question... Are oil leaks a common problem, I checked underneath the engine and it is pretty oily underneath, I know the tappet cover gasket leaks, but not sure if that much could have come from the top. Also, when I drove the car it only really starts pulling from about 4500rpm, I expected the turbo's to come in sooner, like +-2000rpm like other turbo cars. I was kind of dissapointed with the performance of it. It has 163000 km on the clock. Does that mean the engine has had it? As far as I can see all of the engine is still stock standard and no repairs or modifications have been made. Even all the clamps on the hoses are still stock. Brakes and clutch feel a bit spongy but I guess that is easily rectified with a brake fluid change. Does this particular model have a limited slip differential? What other common problems does this specific model have? Only 2 days since I saw the car for sale and I just want to make sure I won't buy a cat in the bag... I am a mechanic myself so I know what to check for when buying, I am just not sure about the problems that these cars have and what future problems I might end up with. Once again, any helpful information is greatly appreciated.

mirage83 · 08-03-2009, 06:35 PM

Can't say about the 1G on the subject of oil leaks, just don't know enough about that engine. The valve covers are the obvious place to start checking, as well as the front and rear main seals.

163k klicks on one of these engines isn't really high mileage, but miles aren't really the most important factor in whether your engine is really okay or not. The biggie is how well it was maintained by the previous owners.

I'd start checking all the IC piping for cracks and partial disconnects, as things like that can cause all sorts of mischief with the way the engine runs and turbo boosts.

Unless it's been pulled at some point in the past and not replaced, you should have a LSD diff, probably a 3.73.

08-01-2009, 01:29 PM	#1
Chapor Stock Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Windhoek Namibia Posts: 2	what year model? I am currently looking to buy a Mk3 Supra 2,0 GT twin turbo electronics spec wide body. The frame number is E-GA70H-BLMVZ. and the engine is a 1G-GTEU. I know that they were build from August 1989 onwards... But how can I determine the year model this specific one was build? The current sellers say it is a 1993-94 and I have trouble believing that. Also I read on this forum, as far as I was able to read through it by now, that blown head gaskets feature quite a bit.. Is that a real common problem with these engines? It also has a electronic adaptable suspension, how prone to problems are they? Any help would be more than greatly appreciated. :-)

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08-01-2009, 06:49 PM	#2
mirage83 12psi boost Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 359	I can't help you with the 1G year question, but it's the 7M series which is (fairly or unfairly depending on your perspective) known for blown head gaskets. I've never heard of the 1G having that tendency. TEMS (the electronically controlled suspension system) is pretty reliable, few problems with the system itself though to the best of my knowledge there's only 1 kind of shock which works with it, the Illumina II. You can use a number of other brands and types in place of the Illumina, but they won't work with TEMS and allow you to adjust them on the fly.

08-02-2009, 07:49 AM	#3
Chapor Stock Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Windhoek Namibia Posts: 2	Thank you, that already helps. Now I have another question... Are oil leaks a common problem, I checked underneath the engine and it is pretty oily underneath, I know the tappet cover gasket leaks, but not sure if that much could have come from the top. Also, when I drove the car it only really starts pulling from about 4500rpm, I expected the turbo's to come in sooner, like +-2000rpm like other turbo cars. I was kind of dissapointed with the performance of it. It has 163000 km on the clock. Does that mean the engine has had it? As far as I can see all of the engine is still stock standard and no repairs or modifications have been made. Even all the clamps on the hoses are still stock. Brakes and clutch feel a bit spongy but I guess that is easily rectified with a brake fluid change. Does this particular model have a limited slip differential? What other common problems does this specific model have? Only 2 days since I saw the car for sale and I just want to make sure I won't buy a cat in the bag... I am a mechanic myself so I know what to check for when buying, I am just not sure about the problems that these cars have and what future problems I might end up with. Once again, any helpful information is greatly appreciated.

08-03-2009, 06:35 PM	#4
mirage83 12psi boost Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 359	Can't say about the 1G on the subject of oil leaks, just don't know enough about that engine. The valve covers are the obvious place to start checking, as well as the front and rear main seals. 163k klicks on one of these engines isn't really high mileage, but miles aren't really the most important factor in whether your engine is really okay or not. The biggie is how well it was maintained by the previous owners. I'd start checking all the IC piping for cracks and partial disconnects, as things like that can cause all sorts of mischief with the way the engine runs and turbo boosts. Unless it's been pulled at some point in the past and not replaced, you should have a LSD diff, probably a 3.73.